Sharing Diverse Stories: Becoming a Poet of the 21st Century

An evening of poetry with Juan Felipe Herrera in the Chandramohan Library at Flintridge Preparatory School on January 9, 2020, from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

Juan Felipe Herrera was the 21st Poet Laureate of the United States (2015-2016) and the first Latino to hold the position. From 2012-2014, Herrera served as California State Poet Laureate. Librarian of Congress James H. Billington said Herrera’s poems “contain Whitman-esque multitudes that champion voices, traditions and histories, as well as a cultural perspective” that illuminates our larger American identity. Herrera has commented that growing up in California as the son of migrant farmers strongly shaped his work. A Washington Post article writes that Herrera "learned to love poetry by singing about the Mexican Revolution with his mother...Inspired by her spirit, he has spent his life crossing borders, erasing boundaries and expanding the American chorus."

At this poetry reading, Herrera will explore themes including migration and immigration, what is California about California, the force of kindness and the power of being a political poet.

Details: All are welcome! Thursday, January 9, 2020, 6:00 – 7:00 pm

Flintridge Preparatory School, Chandramohan Library

4543 Crown Avenue, La Canada, CA

Flintridge Bookstore will be on hand with copies of Juan Felipe Herrera’s books.Herrera will sign books after his presentation.